Camp Centennial Milestones

Camp O-AT-KA

Sebago, Maine
Established: 1906
Camp Details

Camp O-AT-KA was founded in 1906 by Rev. Ernest Joseph (EJ) Dennen, EJ Dennen was an Episcopal minister in Lynn, Massachusetts, and had created a successful character building program in his diocese modeled after King Arthur's court and the search for the Holy Grail. This program EJ called "The Order of Sir Galahad".

EJ was an avid fisherman who often traveled to Maine for its beauty and its fishing. In 1906 he purchased an old farmstead on Lake Sebago, Maine. He felt this was an ideal spot for bringing the boys of his parish up from their industrial city to the pine scented shores of the Lake to reward the boys for their efforts in the Galahad program. The first summer 20 boys attended camp. Only the Farmhouse was built, and the boys slept in canvas tents.

In 1907 the Bungalow constructed. By 1930 the Great Hall, Infirmary, and Commons were constructed. Enrollment was at 180, and tuition was $20 per week.

Today the Camp O-AT-KA community is made up of composed of up to 165 campers and 65 staff members. Typically, members of the camp community come from more than 30 states and 12 foreign countries. Boys still carry on the traditions of the Order of Sir Galahad program.